Student Channel

Architects Ari & Sean head to Venice Biennale

VENICE is calling for two lucky architecture students!

Ari Khoshnaw (MArch) and Sean Keogh (BSc Architecture) will spend a month at the legendary Venice Biennale under a partnership scheme between the British Council and the University’s School of the Built Environment.

The pair’s visit is under the auspices of the 2018 Venice Fellowships Programme which forms part of the British Pavilion at the 16th International Architecture Exhibition which runs from May to November 2018.

The school is supporting Ari and Sean in their independent research and invigilating the exhibition, Island, curated by Caruso St John Architects working in collaboration with artist Marcus Taylor.

'Political issues'

Ari, aged 27, who has completed the BSc Architectural Design & Technology course said the ‘Island’ theme would be fascinating and bring everyone together “considering the current political issues”.

“As for my own research, I am particularly interested in understanding the sequence of movement between locals and tourists to uncover hidden spaces, and to propose temporary architecture interventions.

“Venice has such a rich history of beautiful architecture, at the same time these attractions are increasingly causing tensions between locals and tourists. I hope that my research can contribute to a better understanding of the ways in which freespace can reconnect both groups, rather than deepen existing divisions.”

Oren Lieberman, Professor of Architecture, echoed Ari’s thoughts: “The Fellowships programme provides a very special space and time for Ari and Sean to engage in research on some critical themes in the making of our built environment. The political,social and technological implications of 'freespace' and 'island' are many and echo some of the matters of concern our students are working on in their design projects.

London training

Laura Broderick at the British Council, said: "This is a fantastic international experience for students and graduates, with bespoke training in London, skills development opportunities at the British Pavilion, and a chance to expand networks across the UK.

“It is very important to support emerging artists, architects, curators and researchers – and to place informed stewards at the heart of the British Pavilion.”

-The British Council has been responsible for the British Pavilion in Venice since 1937, showcasing the best of the UK’s artists, architects,designers and curators to an international audience. The Fellowships programme was initiated in 2014 by the British Council to strengthen the British Pavilion contribution as a platform for ideas and research.